Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Find Travel Partners & Personals | RE: First time to russia, second time overseas

nikir — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:34:50 GMT

Quote:

Dating etc. is a huge subject that is discouraged in this forum, which is oriented toward Russian travel and exploration.

Just to clarify, it is fine to talk about dating and forming relationships as this is often an integral part of ones travel experience.

It is not OK to advertise dating agencies or whine about scams concerning these agencies. There are many forums on the net where this can be done. WTR is not one of them.

Topic Replies: 4

Russian Visa Forum | RE: RUSSIA, VISA & COUCHSURFING

marzilia — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:32:06 GMT

I believe you are correct, although I don't have the "authoritative" answer either. The problem may be that sometimes people rent without being officially registered. At any rate, I posted the question on the Couchsurfing site and received the answer that I gave earlier. They generally don't do the registrations, but if they don't they will be able to refer you to an agency or agencies that will. At least there are options if your host can't or won't do the registration themselves.

Topic Replies: 4

Russian Visa Forum | RE: RUSSIA, VISA & COUCHSURFING

romdur — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:35:07 GMT

@marzilia:

Quote:

If they rent their apartment, it is their landlord who has to register you.

During the summer, an expatriate who has lived most of the time in Russia for many years told me, that it is not necessary to be registered by the owner of the property: rather, any citizen who is registered at an address, can register another person as a visitor.

I haven't found the "chapter and verse" on this. Can anyone give an "authoritative" answer -- can a registered non-owner register a guest?

Topic Replies: 4

Travel Advice (Practicalities) | RE: Nutcracker at the Bolshoi

danbrew — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:01:46 GMT

You can actually purchse tickets online from the Bolshoi Theatre. I did it a few years ago and saw the Nutcracker - it was a really nice experience.

http://boxoffice.bolshoi.ru/eng/sales.html

You can visit the schedule page and see the schedule as well:

http://www.bolshoi.ru/en/poster/?&_SERVER=Array&m26=12&y26=2009

The Nutcracker is being performed on the 30th and the 31st.

Enjoy!

Topic Replies: 4

Russian Visa Forum | RE: RUSSIA, VISA & COUCHSURFING

marzilia — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:36:31 GMT

Most hosts will not register you. If they rent their apartment, it is their landlord who has to register you. The landlord is likely to refuse as this is terribly inconvenient, no benefit to them, and can cost them money in increased utilities, so your host won't even consider asking them. This is true even if you're staying with friends, as it is the landlord not the friend who has to register you.

Go to the Visa and Registration subgroup of the CS Moscow group, and you will find listings of registration agencies that can provide this service.

Topic Replies: 4

Find Travel Partners & Personals | RE: First time to russia, second time overseas

romdur — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:10:34 GMT

kiwi: Was that a serious post, or are you pulling our leg? Bravely assuming that you wrote in earnest...

Quote:

what do I need to do to ensure I enjoy my stay in russia, and dont get lost and die

Simple answer: Visit during comfortable weather (best season depends on the location), and either (1) travel on a tour (river cruises are very popular and convenient), or (2) visit cities that are popular for tourism. Either method will answer all three of your concerns.

Quote:

I have very bad luck with different things going wrong

Provided you follow the course suggested above, the only Big Thing to worry about is the Russian visa. This site has plenty of information about getting and registering your visa (if you take a river cruise, you won't need a visa at all!). If you follow the rules, and don't lose your passport (mainly, protect against pickpockets), then this issue (which is more difficult in Russia than most countries) won't be any problem for you at all.

Quote:

How much money in total will I need to get from my doorstep to russia and back again without spending too much?

From my experience, you can be quite comfortable in central Moscow (the most expensive place in Russia... and for that matter the most expensive place on Earth) on 200 US per day, plus whatever you want to spend on entertainments, events, museums, etc. Of course you can go much cheaper than this, I'm referring to high comfort (your own nice apartment in a very convenient central location) for a casual short-term visitor. Anywhere else in Russia will of course be less expensive, but the smaller the town, the more difficult it is to find high-comfort accommodation.

Quote:

If I lose my return ticket is it easy for me to get back to new zealand, and if so what do I have to do? Or will I be stuck in russia with nothing?

If you use an electronic ticket (I always do nowadays) then nothing to go wrong here. The really difficult case is loss of your passport - you could be stuck in Russia for as much as two weeks, literally unable to leave the country. Many folks recommend leaving your passport in a safe place, and carrying photocopies of the 1st page and the Russian visa, for the unlikely event that someone will ask to see your documents on the street. If you DID lose your passport, you must get a new passport from the NZ consulate in Russia, and then get an exit visa with the help of the company that provided your original visa invitation.

Quote:

Is there a good chance of me meeting a russian girl

Dating etc. is a huge subject that is discouraged in this forum, which is oriented toward Russian travel and exploration. In my opinion, looking for love there is a tricky business - but people are people, wherever you go.

Quote:

What places should I go to "experience" russia?

Well, the Russian experience covers a lot of ground. To really understand Russian life, it would be educational to visit a village where no house has plumbing, or an industrial town that has only shabby Soviet-era concrete apartment blocks and horribly polluted factory sites. But I would save these for the time when you're an experienced traveler in Russia... If you want to delight in some landmarks of Russia's history and high culture, then Sankt Peterburg has (in my opinion) more to offer than all the rest of that huge land put together. There are plenty of places (including this site) that suggest where to visit.

Quote:

Im sure I can learn enough russian to hold a conversation, in 3 years time, so that when I go to russia I can speak the language.

If you're quite serious (for example, 10+ hours per week of concentrated study) then you should be able to achieve a useful level of communication in 2-3 years. Knowing even a little Russian greatly enhances the experience of visiting Russia: the more, the better.

Quote:

How much of a risk is there of me getting mugged or robbed?

When walking the streets of Sankt Peterburg or Moscow, I feel safer than most American cities I have seen. [One proviso: like some other famous cities, Rome for example, pickpocketing is a big problem, and it is common to lose wallets, cell phones, and purses to non-violent robbery.] I haven't suffered, seen, or even heard personally of street violence. Commonsense precautions that you would use anywhere in the world, will stand you in good stead. I do my best to blend in to the population (in other words, I don't loudly advertise "hey I'm a tourist").
If you go "off the beaten path," here is my opinion:
1) It is hard to recognize a bad neighborhood - it can look just like a good neighborhood.
2) Some cities (not the very famous ones) are reputed (by Russians) to have bad street crime - I would want the advice of locals, before visiting an obscure town.
3) Don't visit a rural area unless accompanied by a Russian who knows their way around.
P.S. Russian gangsters don't care about dumb tourists like you and me. They have bigger fish to fry.

Topic Replies: 4

St. Petersburg | Forest Travel is a always good for fun.

ruthlopez22 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:26:30 GMT

Forest Travel is a always good for fun.
_________________
Cielo: Book Hotels in Spain
Hotels in Benidorm

Topic Replies: 0

Travel Advice (Practicalities) | Homestay in Shanghai, China

traciel — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:14:09 GMT

Homestay is becoming more and more popular in China, if you have a plan to travel to China, you should really try the Chinese homestay. Actually, my friend came to China a couple of months ago, and he lived with the fantastic Chinese homestay family, he enjoyed it very much, and I thought it's good by the way, http://www.homestayglobal.com, that's the site, hope it can help~~~~

Topic Replies: 0

Find Travel Partners & Personals | RE: visit to Siberia

Artem1 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:41:07 GMT

I live in Krasnoyarsk and I can organise viewing of a city and all sights of Siberia absolutely free of charge to me not superfluous on will practise English language)

Topic Replies: 14

Find Travel Partners & Personals | RE: Trans-Mongolian November time? :)

Artem1 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:33:41 GMT

If there are at whom desires to visit Siberia and city of Krasnoyarsk can particularly help with all questions, namely meet to lodge in hotel to show round a city, all interesting places round a city to bring to Sayan mountains, to lead high-grade excursion and to tell all interesting about Russia. I will explain why it is necessary to me I strenuously I learn English language but at me not enough practice therefore I will be glad to communicate to the person well speaking on English. If there are questions set with pleasure I will answer!

Topic Replies: 1

Talk Lounge | RE: I invite to Russia!

Artem1 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:24:05 GMT

I will not take for it money and even is ready to provide you with habitation free of charge!!

Topic Replies: 2

Talk Lounge | RE: I invite to Russia!

Artem1 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:23:19 GMT

Artem1 wrote:

If there are at whom desires to visit Siberia and city of Krasnoyarsk can particularly help with all questions, namely meet to lodge in hotel to show round a city, all interesting places round a city to bring to Sayan mountains, to lead high-grade excursion and to tell all interesting about Russia. I will explain why it is necessary to me I strenuously I learn English language but at me not enough practice therefore I will be glad to communicate to the person well speaking on English. I will not take for it money and even is ready to provide you with habitation free of charge!!
If there are questions set with pleasure I will answer!

Topic Replies: 2

Find Travel Partners & Personals | RE: First time to russia, second time overseas

Artem1 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:11:35 GMT

Hello, I Russian and with pleasure will answer all questions about Russia, I can help to learn Russkija language and you to me English, I now just learn English language!

Topic Replies: 4

Talk Lounge | I invite to Russia!

Artem1 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:59:54 GMT

Talk Lounge | Part of the responsible tourism model

helene21 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:42:28 GMT

The �responsible tourism� model has many takers in Kerala, popularly known as �the God�s Own Country�. This state has now made a name for itself as the promoter of this model. Tourism helps people of different cultures with diverse social traditions to interact with one another and also to understand and appreciate the different ways of life. To know and appreciate a different culture visiting a far away tourist destination will greatly help.

When on a visit to Kerala travels will become hassle free when availing package tours because they always give much emphasis in offering the best at affordable costs. Not only that these tour operators are keen on following eco-friendly tourism practices in their various operations. While minimizing and avoiding waste is given preference, the conservation of the socio-cultural traditions of the state is also taken care of. Preserving the natural resources of the state for future use is a must, if Kerala is to be known as a state with wide natural diversities.

Information on the various Do�s and Don�ts to be followed is made available to both the visitor and the tour operator that undertakes a tour. Thus it helps to optimize the use of the available resources. To preserve the ecologically fragile areas and also to minimize waste generation, these guidelines help a lot.

The responsible tourism model is now given much importance by the prominent hotels and resorts. The responsible tourism model also ensures the proper use of the available open spaces. Each and every square foot of available space is put to its maximum productive use. Proper waste recycling not only helps to cut down costs but also ensures a clean and green environment.

Kerala state as a whole and the forests adjoining the Western Ghats has been identified as a great reservoir of biodiversity by the international research agencies. The state government has initiated stringent measures to control the mindless destruction of the natural wealth of the forests. The �sustainable tourism� model being followed in the state now has many takers elsewhere in the country. The North Eastern states lying adjacent to the Himalayan region have also initiated steps to preserve the unique biodiversity of those areas. To be part of the sustainable tourism model, �seeing is believing� and no amount of words can ever describe the initiatives undertaken.

Topic Replies: 0

Jobs & Lessons | Study English Online via Skype at Englishtalkworldonline.com

englishtalkworldonline — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:18:26 GMT

Experience the new way to learn English
Speak the universal language and be recognized all over the world...

We can help you improve and enhance your English using skype.
please visit us: http://www.englishtalkworldonline.com
SKype Id: englishtalkworld

_________________
http://www.englishtalkworldonline.com

Topic Replies: 0

Russian Visa Forum | How long does it take to register a Visa?

Taurks — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:01:35 GMT

Once I'm in Russia, if I am staying at a hotel, how long will it take for them to register my Visa? Will it be a day-long process, or an hour long, or a few minutes?

Also, I will be at the Sputnik hotel.

Topic Replies: 0

Talk Lounge | RE: What the world think of Russians

nikir — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:40:08 GMT

4Ever The Man, it is quite evident that your pointless and derogatory comments are not appreciated by the membership of this forum. You are therefore warned that any further comments in a similar vein will be deleted and action taken to ban you.

I note that you received similar advice from another moderator in August 2007.

If you decide to follow the forum rules and stay a member here, would you please update your profile to reflect that you are posting from the UK and not Moscow.

This thread is quite an old one that has been dragged up for no good reason so I am locking it.

Feel free to start a new one if you have something of interest to contribute.

Topic Replies: 16

Talk Lounge | RE: What the world think of Russians

4Ever The Man — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:02:17 GMT

To understand why I reserve these terms for Ender, romdur, ask a Russian speaking friend to translate his comment posted in the other thread Interview of "Ender", a Russian racist. You will see that such terms can only be reserved for when we are dealing with somebody particularly stupid like Ender. Does it help the situation? Probably no, but at least the issue of Russian racism is raised, and, quite rightfully I might add, racists like Ender are exposed for all to see. If you are happy to learn from a racist like Ender, then more power to you, romdur..

You make some interesting points, though, and likewise I am under no illusion that all Russians are racists. But the ones that are have no place in the civilised world, so who cares if I call them what they really are?

However, I feel that you are speaking a little prematurely when you say that America has come a long way. Look at the statistics and you will see that America is also one of the most racist countries in the world. You have a President who is constantly under threat of assassination just because of the colour of his skin. That doesn't sound like a racial utopia to me. Western Europe, on the other hand, has come a long way, particularly because Western Europe no longer shares the same war-mongering values that America clearly does. Which is why until the day Americans stop thinking they are better than everyone else, yours will always be a country packed full of racists.
_________________
Come, let us have some tea, and talk about happy things..

Topic Replies: 16

Talk Lounge | RE: Interview of "Ender", a Russian

4Ever The Man — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:38:54 GMT

Not in the slightest, darth vader; I was simply disappointed this thread wasn't entitled Interview of "Ender", a Russian racist, that's all.

Quote:

Ah-h-h-h-h... now I understand. I didn't notice it in your previous posts. It looks like I stepped into a liberast. I don't argue with liberasts. Bye.

It's not an argument, Ender, just a wake-up call to let others know what kind of racist they are dealing with.
_________________
Come, let us have some tea, and talk about happy things..

Topic Replies: 27

Moscow | Gymnastics - ��

cledwards — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:49:22 GMT

What a great forum for travelers.

I'm going to be traveling to Russia in early/mid December.

I am also a male gymnast, and I would love to find a place where I could work out while in Russia, both to stay in shape and meet other athletes. I'm a bit older so any gym I could find would need to have an adult program.

I'm looking for artistic gymnastics (floor/rings/bar/horse...) rather than rhythmic gymnastics. But, if there is a good small gym I would look into that as well.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

��!

Topic Replies: 0

Russian Visa Forum | RE: The New Russian Visa Registration Procedure 2007

Gieliovd — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:12:13 GMT

Thanks!

Sounds promising!

Topic Replies: 154

Trans-Siberian | Trans-Mongolian in June 2010?

Ikas90 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:47:31 GMT

Hello,

I'm from Australia and I'm looking for a travel partner to travel across China, Mongolia and Russia with.

The option I found on www.transsiberian.com.au > Option 20 > �1550 is feasible to me. This is the trip I want to book, however, to get it for this price, I'll need another travel companion.

Is there anyone out there who'd be interested in doing this trip? I'll be very appreciative. Plus, it would be a great opportunity to meet new people and share interests. I just love the idea of trans-continental travel! I've gone across Australia myself, which was great fun! I'd really love to go across Asia.

Happy travels everyone!

Saki

Topic Replies: 0

Travel Advice (Practicalities) | RE: Nutcracker at the Bolshoi

mr. barley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:30:16 GMT

My wife and I saw the nutcracker at the new Bolshoi 5 years ago when we were in Moscow. We were on an adoption trip and the guy who helped us through our adoption while we were in Moscow got us tickets. It was well worth the money to me. When were we ever going to get the chance again? See it if you can. The new Bolshoi is very very nice. I can't imagine what the old Bolshoi is going to look like when it's finished. It will be stunning.
_________________
I find myself wanting to go back

Topic Replies: 4

Way to Russia Feedback | RE: SPAM BOTS ��STOP LIST

overseas_expat — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:20:31 GMT

http://www.waytorussia.net/TalkLounge/viewtopic.php?t=13641

rocketpub

Topic Replies: 13

Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Find Travel Partners & Personals | RE: First time to russia, second time overseas

Russian Visa Forum | RE: RUSSIA, VISA & COUCHSURFING

Russian Visa Forum | RE: RUSSIA, VISA & COUCHSURFING

Travel Advice (Practicalities) | RE: Nutcracker at the Bolshoi

Russian Visa Forum | RE: RUSSIA, VISA & COUCHSURFING

Find Travel Partners & Personals | RE: First time to russia, second time overseas

St. Petersburg | Forest Travel is a always good for fun.

Travel Advice (Practicalities) | Homestay in Shanghai, China

Find Travel Partners & Personals | RE: visit to Siberia

Find Travel Partners & Personals | RE: Trans-Mongolian November time? :)

Talk Lounge | RE: I invite to Russia!

Talk Lounge | RE: I invite to Russia!

Find Travel Partners & Personals | RE: First time to russia, second time overseas

Talk Lounge | I invite to Russia!

Talk Lounge | Part of the responsible tourism model

Jobs & Lessons | Study English Online via Skype at Englishtalkworldonline.com

Russian Visa Forum | How long does it take to register a Visa?

Talk Lounge | RE: What the world think of Russians

Talk Lounge | RE: What the world think of Russians

Talk Lounge | RE: Interview of "Ender", a Russian

Moscow | Gymnastics - ����������

Russian Visa Forum | RE: The New Russian Visa Registration Procedure 2007

Trans-Siberian | Trans-Mongolian in June 2010?

Travel Advice (Practicalities) | RE: Nutcracker at the Bolshoi

Way to Russia Feedback | RE: SPAM BOTS ��STOP LIST

Moscow | Gymnastics - ��